When asked about significant changes arising from the project, participants talked about how their perceptions of ‘Global Citizenship’ developed. They commented that they moved from a relatively externalised view of Global Citizenship (i.e. a Global Citizen is someone who travels around the world) to a more personally-engaged perspective of a Global Citizen as someone who understands their place in the world.

A significant change noted by participants was an increased ability to receive and give feedback. The resource design process involved the Irish young people drafting activities, and then receiving feedback on the activities from the mentors. As the material dealt with challenging issues around power and privilege, processing feedback in a positive way was a demanding task. For their part, the mentors had the difficult task of analysing the materials submitted and giving, sometimes critical feedback, constructively. This complex interaction was central to the ambitious process of co-creation. The fact that participants in both Ireland and Africa noted growth in this area is strong evidence that the co-creation process is a key learning area in the programme and warrants further development. 

A tangible result of the programme is the GCE resource, A Global Citizen’s Journey. The product reflects the process of the programme, as the first half of resource looks inward, exploring personal values, and second half looks outwards, asking ‘How do I interact with the world?’ It is notable that the resource turned out to be much bigger than anticipated, due to the high level of interest and commitment by participants.

To sustain impact post-programme, GOAL has created a Global Youth Network (GYN) which is comprised of GGY alumni. Still in its early stages, the GYN aims to provide opportunities for GGY alumni to continue their activism through rolling out A Global Citizen’s Journey to youth groups and Transition Year groups; organising events in their own communities/spaces; and participating in GOAL advocacy and public engagement campaigns. 

Additionally, some of the GGY participants are creating their own initiatives. For example, one participant launched an e-zine, ‘The Positive Spin’, highlighting global good news stories, and has invited GGY colleagues to contribute to the zine. While GOAL cannot claim that these onward actions are directly attributable to GOAL interventions, the GOAL team believes that a Global Citizenship ‘lens’ or ‘stamp’ will be visible in some way in GGY alumni activities. The programme is at an early stage to look for this type of impact; however, there are plans to keep in touch with participants so as to harvest stories of how their experiences with GGY have affected their understandings, attitudes and behaviour.

Images:

• Global Citizen Journey Logo (picture 1)
• GOAL Global Youth (GGY) Programme Resource Cover (picture 2 and main page)
• Global Citizen Journey Resource Cover (picture 3)

Credit: GOAL